Better yourself by brushing up on your knowledge of British theatre. Head to
The Globe in London and join in celebrations with a bite-size performance of
Hamlet

2014 marks the 450th year since the birth of William Shakespeare, the nation’s (if not the world’s) greatest playwright.

On April 23, the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, there will be nationwide celebrations in honour of the famous bearded Bard.

To mark the event, the Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank will stage the first performances of a pared-down, small-scale Hamlet, perhaps the most popular of Shakespeare’s plays.

This will signal the start of a landmark theatrical endeavour, as the production will then embark on a colossal two-year tour during which it will visit all 205 countries around the world.

And from 17 to 23 March, the entire UK will be encouraged to remember the Bard during Shakespeare Week. It will be a unique experience and literary fans and curious folk alike should get involved – it will also be a great excuse to indulge in some fancy dress.